Did Jesus Say He Was God? Exploring His Words, Deeds, and Historical Evidence

Written By William Dyer

Did Jesus ever explicitly claim to be God? It's a question that has sparked countless debates and discussions throughout history, and its implications are foundational to Christianity. In this blog post, we delve into this critical topic with insights from Dr. Mikel Del Rosario, a professor at Moody Bible Institute and author specializing in apologetics and historical Jesus studies. Together, we’ll explore key biblical passages, historical evidence, and thought-provoking perspectives that offer clarity on Jesus’ divine identity. Whether you're a believer, a skeptic, or someone with questions about faith, this post promises to challenge and inspire you. Let’s dive in! 🌟

The Importance of Understanding Jesus' Divine Claims

Dr. Mikel Del Rosario emphasizes that understanding Jesus’ divine claims is essential for grasping the heart of Christianity. As he points out, "There is no Christianity if you don’t answer the question, who is Jesus?" Surprisingly, a 2022 study by Ligonier Ministries and Lifeway revealed that 43% of evangelical Americans agreed with the statement “Jesus was a great teacher, but he was not God.” By 2025, this number increased to 49%! This staggering statistic underscores the need for believers to better understand and articulate Jesus' divine identity both literarily and historically.

For many Christians, the focus often jumps to the resurrection, yet it’s Jesus’ claims about His divine authority that fill the resurrection with theological meaning. Dr. Rosario’s work seeks to bridge that gap, offering historical and literary perspectives to equip believers to engage confidently with skeptics and seekers alike.

How Jesus’ Enemies Recognized His Divine Claims

One of the unique aspects of Dr. Rosario’s book is its focus on how Jesus’ enemies interpreted His claims. He explains that while many studies concentrate on Jesus’ disciples or New Testament texts, his work examines how theologians in Second Temple Judaism—a cultural and religious context deeply familiar with divine attributes—reacted to Jesus’ words and actions.

For example, in Mark 2:1-12, Jesus heals a paralytic and declares, “Son, your sins are forgiven.” The response from the scribes is immediate: “Why does this man speak like that? He is blaspheming! Who can forgive sins but God alone?” This reaction highlights how Jesus’ enemies understood His actions as divine claims. As Dr. Rosario explains, "No miracle worker, Greco-Roman healer, or Jewish prophet ever said such things. Jesus was speaking and acting with authority only attributed to God."

Historical Evidence Supporting Jesus’ Claims

Dr. Rosario also approaches Jesus’ claims through the lens of historiography—the tools historians use to study figures like Alexander the Great or Caesar Augustus. Even skeptics who do not see the Bible as God’s Word must grapple with historical criteria like enemy attestation (where evidence from Jesus’ opponents adds credibility to His claims) and rejection/execution (explaining why Jesus was crucified). These methods increase the probability that the Gospel accounts reflect real history.

Consider Mark 14:61-62, where the high priest asks Jesus, “Are you the Christ, the Son of the Blessed?” Jesus responds, “I am, and you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of the Power and coming with the clouds of heaven.” This statement combines imagery from Daniel 7 and Psalm 110, presenting Jesus as the divine judge—a claim that enraged the Jewish leaders and led to His crucifixion. Such evidence demonstrates that Jesus’ claims were not vague; they were explicit and provocative within the context of Second Temple Judaism.

Why This Question Matters for Faith and Evangelism

Understanding Jesus’ divine claims is not just a theological exercise—it has practical implications for faith and evangelism. As Dr. Rosario explains, "Jesus’ claim to be Lord is a claim on our lives as well. Either He is Lord of all, or He’s not Lord at all." This challenges Christians to examine areas of their lives that may not be fully surrendered to His lordship.

Additionally, addressing this question equips Christians to engage with skeptics and seekers. By meeting people where they are—whether through literary evidence, historical analysis, or personal testimony—we can share the Gospel with courage and compassion. As Dr. Rosario puts it, "We have to come face-to-face with the claims of Jesus. Who do you say that He is?"

Bringing It Back to Everyday Conversations

So, how can you bring these insights into your everyday interactions? Whether discussing with friends, family, or colleagues, a key takeaway from Dr. Rosario’s work is this: Jesus claimed to have divine authority through both His words and deeds. His claims demand a response, and they challenge us to confront the question, “Who is Jesus?”

Start by sharing passages like Mark 2:1-12 or Mark 14:61-62 in conversations. Use historical evidence to engage skeptics, explaining how Jesus’ claims align with cultural and theological contexts. Most importantly, communicate the heart of the Gospel: Jesus is Lord, and His authority extends to forgiving sins, transforming lives, and offering eternal hope.

Conclusion: Your Response to Jesus' Claims

The question "Did Jesus claim to be God?" is not just a matter of historical curiosity—it’s a question that impacts every person’s life and eternity. As Dr. Rosario’s work shows, Jesus’ claims are clear, and His authority is unmatched. For believers, this should inspire greater devotion and surrender. For skeptics, it raises a challenge: Who do you say Jesus is?

If this post has sparked your curiosity or challenged your thinking, I encourage you to dive deeper into Dr. Rosario’s book, "Did Jesus Really Say He Was God?: Making Sense of His Historical Claims" You can find the link to purchase below. Let’s continue seeking the truth together—because the claims of Jesus demand an answer. How will you respond?

Watch the Full Podcast Episode Here

What do you think about Jesus’ claims? Share your thoughts in the comments below! 😊

William Dyer
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